Dr. Cindy Lee Neighbors is a physician, writer, and advocate known for being published in several high-impact medical journals. In particular, her work to reduce opioid prescriptions has earned recognition on the national stage, promoting alternative solutions that do not lead to addiction. 

Her debut memoir, TOO MUCH, is a raw and honest chronicle of her journey of trauma and healing through the challenges and triumphs of medical training, military service, and personal struggles.

Early Passion and Dedication

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai’i, Cindy began her artistic journey in childhood, landing commercial and print work. After participating in several local pageants and winning the title of Miss Teen Asian International, Cindy set her sights on becoming an actor in Los Angeles, pursuing a degree in theater at USC. It was during this time that Cindy answered the call to serve.

Now, Cindy is a former Otolaryngologist and retired US Army officer. She graduated with honors from Uniformed Services University and was trained at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu. She found success in her career but realized that her passion for storytelling was greater, so she retired from military medicine to pursue a career in writing.

Discovering the Importance of Telling Her Story

When she set out to write her story, she realized she wasn’t prepared for her words’ impact on those around her and herself. She wondered whether sharing her experiences would help people or hurt them. When people came to her for guidance and solace, Cindy was honored to offer support but second-guessed herself.

“I realized,” says Cindy, “that my book had the potential to not only heal but also to harm. I wanted to ensure that my words didn’t glorify ‘bad behavior’ or encourage others to make reckless choices. I wanted to empower readers to take control of their own lives, while acknowledging that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to life’s challenges.”

For Cindy, the decision to finish writing TOO MUCH was cathartic. It allowed her to process difficult emotions and gain new insights into her journey. She also hoped that sharing her story would shed light on important issues within the medical field and inspire others to embrace their unique paths.

“In the end,” says Cindy, “I came to a simple conclusion: It’s just me. It’s just writing. It is what it is. I can’t please everyone, and I can’t control how my words will be interpreted. All I can do is share my truth with honesty and vulnerability, and hope that it resonates with those who need it most.”

A Pursuit of Discovery and Recognition

TOO MUCH is an honest and vulnerable exploration of the complexities inherent in trauma, healing, and loss, yet also a celebration of human resilience. Cindy invites readers to embark with her on self-discovery, radical healing, and reminders that there is always hope for a better tomorrow, even in the face of adversity. She helps the reader understand the power of words on people’s lives and how to reckon with the unintended consequences of telling your truth.